Choosing a scene for submissions...

[Barb Jacobs]

I thought I would put this out there to you dear readers-

is there a five or so page sequence in Xylia (or two) that you think would grab an agent more than any other?

I was thinking about compiling a scene or two into a pdf and sending those along with my submission. I would love to get your thoughts on what scene or scenes you think pack the most punch- are the most intriguing, or would grab the attention of someone best.

Thanks muchly!
~B

[Nykohla]

I love the first few pages of Severed - but it benefits from being set up with the last page of the prologue - not an outright action sequence but I think it has glimpses of all the elements of the story.

Such a superb story I really hope that it gets published

[Two_Corgis]

Personally, I'd go with the first few pages of the last chapter, A True Heart.

Good luck with it.

[Henrike]

My favourite scene is the seduction scene in the beginning (in sheeps clothing). It has so much tension in it and Tychia`s just a cool character, then there`s Livy and Brimaz ofcourse. It also has some of your sepia flash backs in it. :)
There were a few seperate pages though that sprang to my mind when I read your call. Several pages out of every scene maybe would give an overal feel of the different elements of the story, like love, (the scenes with Xylia, I love the prologue in which Claudius dies and recognizes her again) action (the sepia sketches of the stories of Dr. Ambrosia or the last pages), emotion (the reunion with his family, esp. the page where you see Phanessa for the first time) and tension. (morning stroll and then the blooded hand)

I hope they`ll pick it up and take a look at the whole story. It deserves it. :)

I hope this

[Barb Jacobs]

Thank you everyone! this helps a lot. I havent' decided whether to post a compilation or to just link to the site. The latter is MUCH easier...

Thank you so much!
~B

[Adam Salken]

Went back to reread the book... there was a few parts that I looked at but the pacing wasn't the same as it was in my memory and it wouldn't work. So, after much consideration, I believe that http://xyliatales.com/01302008/ to http://xyliatales.com/02242008/ is your best 5 page bet. It shows a little of the story, introduces a variety of characters, is a fast paced action sequence, and the last panel of the 5th page will hopefully leave the reader wanting more.

Use those 5 pages to get their interest. If you just link to your website it's likely that your submission will go right into the trash. If they read the pdf and want to know more, you'll have a link to your website on the 6th page. (I picture it in white font on a black background :-P)

[Adam Salken]

Not sure how many unique hits you're getting a day/week/month nowadays, but if they're favorable make sure to include them. The larger you can prove your fanbase to be, the more you will get taken seriously. This bit should be obvious to someone of your experience, but this is like a resume and you need to sell yourself. The agent needs to read your submission and think "I can't afford NOT to take on this project." just like in an interview you want the potential employer to think that they NEED to hire you before somebody else does.

I remember somebody telling me that Dr. Seuss got rejected many many many times before somebody agreed to publish his first book, but I've been unable to find a reference just now to back it up. Ah well, don't get discouraged by four X's so far. As long as you don't give up, you haven't met the end of the road. ^_^ Love ya Barb!

[Two_Corgis]

That's okay. I've had three rejections so far on my novel, and every one of them a form letter. The first one came back the same day. I just keep sending out more queries. Like everything else in this economy, it's a tough market out there right now.

[Wayfarer]

My disclaimer is that I'm not necessarily one to know what will "grab" people, per se. The things I find most interesting in anything I read aren't usually the exciting action sequences, but rather the more contemplative, thought-provoking moments.

That said, it probably won't be surprising that I really am partial to this scene - http://xyliatales.com/05042008/ to http://xyliatales.com/05212008/. I love the feel of these pages, and I think they tell a lot about the premise of the story.

Maybe it tells too much, or is too quiet, so to speak. But if I were going to point to a sequence that I thought summed up the core of the story (hope this isn't too much of an oversimplification, though), I think this would be it.

[MCat711]

I concur with Henrike; my vote would be for http://xyliatales.com/12092007/ through http://xyliatales.com/01272008/ . This sequence shows a gradual progression from the mundane to the fantastic, and is a good introduction to several of our major players. And the last page should hopefully leave any potential viewers in suspense and craving to read what happens next. ;)

Best of luck!

[coldfire]

I also went back and reread the whole thing - Barb, it's really beautiful, you know. The story and the art. It comes together so much when it's read as it was meant to be.

Anyways, on to scenes: I would choose the flashback of Phanessa and Ambrosia. Seems a bit odd not to be centered around Claudius, but I think those pages are very beautiful art-wise, with all the colors, the different character designs of the faeries, and the forest as the background. I love the forest background. They also feature action, as well as demonstrate how you can reveal story description woven into dialogue well. So my vote is for http://xyliatales.com/07312008/ to http://xyliatales.com/09072008/
That's six pages, because I like having some of Katharos and Adora, and then I love that last page with the half face of Deimos. (And added benefit of a suspenseful ending as well). On the second page of this, I also I think Ambrosia's scene change, with the swirly blue magic thing, is very cool. :-P

My second choice would be the last 5 pages of chapter six: http://xyliatales.com/04192009/ to http://xyliatales.com/05062009/
Damara always gets me, and I like him going through the portal.

I would not vote for the scene from "Sheep's Clothing," but I see I'm outnumbered. :-P To me, on its own, it feels overwhelming (which it's supposed to be to Charlie, but when you're giving it as a sample, maybe not) and I'm not sure if it's really representative of the feel of the rest of the comic.

Good luck!

[Barb Jacobs]

Wow! Thank you everyone for your thoughts- I can't believe how much variety there is! The good news about that of course is that the story has many different memorable or impactful depending on the reader. I'm actually really happy about that.

The 'bad' news- if you can call it that- is that I'm still kinda confused! LOL! Thank you so much for all of your thoughts, it does help me understand what you all as the audience find important or at least memorable about the pages that have gone before.

You guys are the best. And of course I won't forget us talking about this WHEN this thing gets published and then optioned by Warner Brothers into a four movie deal... HA!

(i hope I can reserve enough seats at the Oscars®... for all the Xyliacs... ^_^)

Thank you everyone!
~B

[Shawn]

I re-read all of Xylia to see what would snag my interest and heres a few I got:
the promise pages 2-6, Wolf in sheeps 7-9, or Severed 12-16/17. I think the severed one is most interesting, especially if you stop at 16 and leave the previewers wondering if Xylia will be saved or not. Good luck choosing!